JUL 16 - (Milwaukee) – T wenty-seven defendants have been charged in a drug conspiracy case, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Information in the federal complaint alleges that heroin sales conducted by the drug distribution ring directly led to four overdose deaths in Waukesha County and one in Milwaukee County. In addition, the affidavit alleges that six non-death overdose incidents occurred in Waukesha County.

The 27 defendants are being charged with attempt and conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense one kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.

The affidavit alleges that Lonnie Johnson (formally of Milwaukee) was the primary source of heroin for Jermaine Stewart and other conspirators from Milwaukee who traveled to Chicago every two weeks to purchase the heroin. It further alleges Stewart distributed heroin to Milwaukee area defendants, who in-turn distributed heroin on the near north side of Milwaukee. It also alleges that drug dealers from Waukesha purchased heroin from Stewart and other Milwaukee distributors then repackaged and later sold these drugs to conspirators in Waukesha County.

“The overdose deaths in Milwaukee and Waukesha County show just how dangerous heroin can be,” stated Gary G. Olenkiewicz, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Chicago Field Division which covers the state of Wisconsin. “The disruption of this drug distribution ring will make a positive difference in the communities that saw this tragic loss of life.”

At a press conference held on July 15, 2008, United States Attorney Steven M. Biskupic said that the investigation is an example that drug conspiracies are a regional problem, not just a Milwaukee problem. The U.S. Attorney’s office also commended the multiple law enforcement agencies who were involved in this eighteen-month joint investigation including: the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State of Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigations, the Waukesha County District Attorney’s office, Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office, Muskego Police Department, Village of Pewaukee Police Department and the City of Pewaukee Police Departments. Biskupic gave special recognition to Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Sanders and DEA Special Agent Ellen Roy for their continued work on heroin cases. Both were involved in the Ozaukee County heroin investigations last year.

As currently charged, all defendants if convicted face between 20 years and life imprisonment, a fine of up to $4,000,000 and 5 years to life on supervised release.

The public is reminded that the charges are allegations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by a guilty plea.